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Jonathan Revere, 74, Was Political Watchdog

Jonathan Revere, a longtime West Tisbury resident and member of the finance committee in that town, died Jan. 19 at the Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston. The cause was complications from a heart attack and stroke, a close friend said. He was 74.

Mr. Revere wore many hats but was best known for his role as a self-appointed watchdog of Island politics, especially in his home town.

He ran for office unsuccessfully many times before being elected to the finance committee.

“Some people said they won’t vote for me because they think I do a good job doing what I do now. But you can only go so far as a gadfly,” he told the Gazette in a 2006 interview when he ran unsuccessfully for assessor. “Ultimately, you have to work from the inside as well as the outside,” he said. “You have to be unafraid of losing in order to be able to win.”

A descendant of Paul Revere, he was the son of a journalist and his mother was one of the first women in the world to own an electron microscope. He graduated from Harvard University in 1960 as class poet. He worked as a summer reporter at the Gazette in 1958.

He grew up in Manhattan and first visited the Vineyard as a teenager in 1952. Three years later his mother bought a home in Seven Gates Farm. He moved there permanently in 1984.

In the 2006 Gazette interview he recalled that when he first moved to the Island, he had no interest in town politics.

“I used to be the most apolitical guy on the face of the earth,” he said. “I did a lot of theatre work out here and I was happy.”

“The Island is poorer for his loss. He was very close to being one of a kind, if not unique,” wrote Richard Knabel, a West Tisbury selectman and friend, in an email to the Gazette Monday.

An obituary will appear in a later edition of the Gazette.

Comments (10)

Truly a Vineyard icon. I remember years back when Jonathon and I were cast members in a series of one act plays at the Vineyard Playhouse. Couldn't help but being drawn to him what with his quick wit and caustic comments on the times. He'll be missed.......

Jonathan was a major contributor to the Vineyard Playhouse in the 80's and 90's. the variety of plays he was cast in - from "Harvey" to "Noises Off", showed the mastery he had in paying a diverse group of different characters. He was a beloved friend of my mother, Eileen Wilson, right up until her passing several years ago. I will miss his wit and charm and his love for the arts...

He had a supreme gift for unabashed and wholehearted appreciation of his friends and loved ones. There was nothing he wouldn't do for someone he deemed friend-worthy. He delighted in his networking and match making prowess - of people with people, projects and places.
He was also hilarious and brilliant. I will miss this guy beyond words... as Pia W said above, just dumb with grief.

I didn't know Jonathan as well as many of you probably did, but will miss his ready wit and support. We shared interests in Edith Wharton and film noir, and I'm glad he was able to visit her home in the Berkshires with us before he died.

Deborah van Rooyen, Brookline, MA
There was only one Jonathan. A best friend, a true friend, hilarious and serious. And he finally started writing his very own novel instead of mentoring everyone else's publications. In his working manuscript, the main character, named Sparrow, somehow gave one a peek into Jonathan's own complex life and very very intricate way of thinking. I can't imagine the Vineyard without him. And I'm sure he will be more than missed. I can still see his Skyping face ringing me up only three weeks ago and asking if I was ready to read a chapter of his book. A last and exquisite present from the most unique person I have ever known flew over the internet and I am proud he trusted me with his words. Oh Jonathan, Seven Gates will never be the same without you. West Tisbury will never be the same without you. I will never be the same without you. xx deborah
January 22, 2014 - 8:26pm
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Having summered my entire life just down the road from Jonathan's place, I have many memories of him throughout the years. Like others have written, I will miss his intelligence and sense of humor. The speed at which he could come up with witty responses was incredible, and he always had me laughing when he was around. I was also touched to see how devoted he was to his close friends. He and my mother had become very close over the last 10 years, and it seemed like he would have done anything for her. He will be missed.

Jonathan and I worked together at King Bison Company in 1968 and 1969. It was a lot of fun working in the old brick buiding on Hanover Street in the midst of the weekly "farmers market" and right around the corner from the old Quincy market. He even had us all out to Martha's Vineyard one weekend in the summer.
About 10 years ago when I was on a one day excursion on the Vineyard we went into a shop in Vineyard Haven. He was helping a friend there and I recognized him right away!
Jonathan you are a memorable human being. May you rest in peace.